The rocky history of Toledo Bend Reservoir’s construction has been largely forgotten in the last 40 years of incredible fishing. However, the lake’s inception was a herculean effort that “took a miracle.”
Visitors to Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge will have improved beach access thanks to the installation of concrete revetment mats on the property. In an effort to provide greater public access to the island, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) with the support of the Grand Isle Port Commission has installed the mats on the beachfront property to improve vehicle stabilization as visitors travel onto the island.
“The department is pleased to be able to provide this property for public use and now we are able to provide access to more individuals by offering more convenient and safer beach travel,” said LDWF assistant secretary Randy Pausina. “Our office will continue to address any issues or concerns that may arise as visitation to the area builds.”
Installation of the concrete mats was complete prior to Grand Isle’s Tarpon Rodeo, held annually during the last weekend of July. The event traditionally attracts more than 15,000 visitors; therefore, the department wanted to ensure that both safe and simple access to the island was available to the public.
The concrete mats, manufactured by Submar, Inc., are used primarily onshore and aid in reducing the risk of vehicles being trapped in the softer areas of the beach. The mats have open areas that allow re-vegetation through them and the design allows for a rapid return to a natural appearance.
The mats extend beyond the existing roadway for 680 feet onto the beach and measure 16 feet in width with a small turning area located at the end.
Last month, the department opened road access to Elmer’s Island over Independence Day weekend for the first time in nearly a decade. Since that time the island has seen hundreds of visitors. LDWF plans to continue improvements to the property within the upcoming months so visitors may recreate more easily at this popular area while still preserving and protecting the surrounding natural resources.
Today at the LDWF monthly Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting, it was announced that on Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 8 a.m. LDWF, in conjunction with Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, East Ascension Sportsman’s League, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the Boy Scouts of America, will stage an Elmer’s Island Beach Clean-up Day.
Those wishing to utilize the island for recreational purposes must possess one of the following:
(1) A valid Wild Louisiana Stamp
(2) A valid Louisiana fishing license
(3) A valid Louisiana hunting license
The island is open every weekend, Friday to Sunday, from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
